The Road to Maximizer
1984
Ciba Seeds begins active research on engineering crops with a genetic resistance to crop pests.
1991
Ciba Seeds scientists successfully introduce a gene derived from the soil bacterium Bacillus Thuringiensis into corn.
Ciba Seeds International begins early trials of transgenic corn in the U.S., France, and Argentina.
1992
Ciba Seeds begins small scale field testing of European Corn Borer (ECB) resistant "Bt corn" in the U.S. under a USDA permit.
1993
Ciba Seeds applies for and receives first Experimental Use Permit (EUP) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for large scale field testing of Bt corn in additonal locations in the U.S.
1994
Ciba Seeds receives an extended EUP from the U.S. EPA allowing large scale field testing of Bt corn in 20 states.
Ciba Seeds becomes the first company to file formal request package with U.S. EPA for registration of Bt corn.
Ciba Seeds files request fo r deregulation of Bt corn with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
1995
Ciba Seeds files pre-market notification regarding Bt corn with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
(March) Ciba Seeds receives the first limited registration of Bt corn from the U.S. EPA, allowing Ciba to produce commercial scale quantities on 9.700 acres for the 1995-1996 growing season.
(May) Ciba Seeds receives the first deregulation of transgenic corn from the USDA, allowing Bt corn to be released into the environment, be imported, and cross state lines without USDA approval.
(August) Ciba Seeds is first to receive final approval and full registration from the U.S. EPA, making Ciba the first company permitted to market and sell transgenic corn in the U.S. Ciba Seeds' Bt corn will be sold as MaximizerTM hybrid corn with KnockOutTM built-in corn borer control.
(September) Maximizer Discovery Program presented to growers.
(December) Ciba Seeds sells out of its Maximizer hybrids.
1996
(March) Ciba Seeds increases production of Maximizer seed ten-fold for planting in 1997.
(September) The offical Maximizer launch program is released to the market. | 
